FBI Breaks Up Knock-Off Auto Parts Ring In Queens, Paterson

The knock-off auto parts were sold to auto shops that cater to taxis because the cabs take such a pounding on city streets that they’re constantly in need of replacement parts, WCBS 880’s Irene Cornell reported.

Officials said the brake pads put both cabbies and their passengers at risk.

FBI Agents Raid Auto-Parts Warehouse (CBS 2)

However, the commissioner of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission said yellow taxis are indeed safe.

“I think we’ve got as safe taxi system as there is anywhere in the world, but certainly for the taxi owners, it’s outrageous that if they’re exposed to knock-offs, that’s a real consumer issue for them,” David Yassky told 1010 WINS.

FBI Breaks Up Knock-Off Auto Parts Ring In Queens, Paterson

Yassky said there were no plans for immediate inspections of taxis in light of the situation.

“We want to make absolutely sure that counterfeit parts are not anywhere in the New York City market and certainly not in the taxi system. Taxis have to come in, as a matter of course, every four months for an inspection. So we’re very confident that the taxis are the road are safe,” he said.

Fernando Mateo of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers has urged all drivers in the union to get their brakes checked as a precaution.